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Ancelotti snubbed Liverpool before Klopp took job – Harry

Harry Redknapp claims Jurgen Klopp was only Liverpool’s second choice to succeed Brendan Rodgers as boss – with Carlo Ancelotti rejecting an approach from the Reds.

The Reds appointed former Borussia Dortmund chief Klopp on a three-year deal last week, but Redknapp has told talkSPORT that the German was only their Plan B after they decided to part company with Rodgers.

And Redknapp says he heard from “good sources” that Liverpool approached him before eventually appointing Klopp.

“I have heard from good sources that he [Ancelotti] was offered the Liverpool job,” Redknapp said. “I don’t think [he wanted it]. They spoke to him at some stage.”

Jurgen Klopp: Poses with the Liverpool shirt

Despite being second choice, however, Redknapp believes Klopp has the requisite skills to succeed at Anfield.

He added: “I do like the look of Klopp, he’s a good appointment. He’s looks bright, with great enthusiasm and he looks like he could be a really good addition to the Premier League. I’m looking forward to watching Liverpool play over the next few years.

“Ancelotti’s had a little break from the football scene already and obviously feels he’s ready to come back in again. It’s got to be a big club for him, he’s a manager of Champions League clubs so he’s not going to take any job.

“There are only five or six jobs he could take in the Premier League, so it’s very interesting to see what he’s got in mind.”